FD-15 Mechanical Mowing Project 21M-2

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, is seeking a contractor to perform mechanical mowing services in Forest District 15, located in Potter County. The project involves cutting inhibiting woody vegetation across an estimated 151 acres, with specific requirements for tree species removal. Contractors must cut beech, birch, pin cherry, and striped maple trees between 1" and 5" in diameter at stump height, leaving unclean, ragged cuts with edges less than 12 inches high. The contract period runs from April 1, 2022, to March 30, 2023, with all project work to be completed by the termination date. The solicitation was originally posted on February 4, 2022, with a bid due date of February 18, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Contractors will be evaluated based on their ability to meet mandatory responsiveness requirements, with the award going to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. An addendum was issued on February 9, 2022, adding a Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form as a required submission.

The procurement is specifically reserved for self-certified small businesses, with contractors required to submit a Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form demonstrating compliance with Pennsylvania labor and workforce safety laws. Failure to submit this completed form may render a bid non-responsive. The contract requires contractors to provide performance security of $5,000 and meet specific insurance requirements. Bidders may be asked to provide references and qualifications to demonstrate their capabilities for the project. Payment will be based on the Department's surveyed acreage, with invoices to be submitted via email or mail. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the scope of work suggests a moderate-sized contract focused on forest maintenance and vegetation management. The procurement includes additional requirements such as repairing any damage to trails, roads, streams, or utility rights-of-way during the course of the mechanical mowing project.